Cruz Azul wins CCL title, qualifies for FCWC

Cruz Azul won the 2013-14 CONCACAF Champions League on the away-goals rule after its 1-1 draw at Toluca in the second leg of the final on April 23, 2014. (Photo: Mexsport)

TOLUCA, Mexico - Cruz Azul became the CONCACAF club champion for a record-setting sixth time on Wednesday, when it captured the 2013-14 CONCACAF Champions League title on the away-goals rule after a 1-1 draw with Toluca in the second leg of the final. The two sides played to a scoreless stalemate in the opener on April 15 in Mexico City.

As a result of the triumph, Cruz Azul qualifies for the FIFA Club World Cup next December in Morocco.

Mariano Pavone, the tournament’s Golden Ball winner as the best player, scored what proved to be the championship-clinching goal in the 41st minute.

Joao Rojas sent a cross from the right wing to the left side of the box for an unmarked Marco Fabian. The Mexico international immediately delivered a perfect pass to far post for Pavone to pound into the net from three-yards out. It was the Argentine’s team-high fifth goal of the tournament.

Though Toluca had some solid scoring opportunities in the first half, it became more dynamic after the break with the introduction of Raul Nava. The 23-year-old striker finished as the tournament’s top scorer with seven goals, but had not started in the last three games.

Once Edgar Benitez entered the match seven minutes later, the Red Devils began to fire on all cylinders. He scored against Cruz Azul in the 2009-10 final with Pachuca and repeated that feat in the 63rd minute to knot the score at 1-1.

Wilson Tiago found Benitez on the left side of the box with a short pass. The Paraguay international took a separating touch and from a severe angle drilled a shot past goalkeeper Jesus Corona into the top of the net.

Despite that tally, Toluca needed one more to win the title, since Cruz Azul had the advantage of an away goal.

Christian Gimenez almost sealed a victory for the visitors, but his left-sided free kick crashed off the crossbar.

In the game’s last seconds, a long-distance blast by Miguel Ponce forced Corona into a stunning save. The ball fell to Pablo Velazquez in front of an open goal, but his follow-up went over the bar.

The regional title is Cruz Azul’s first 1997, when – coincidentally – Luis Fernando Tena was its head coach.

GET CONCACAF NEWS

IN YOUR INBOX

RELATED NEWS YOU'LL LIKE

Tigres uses Liga MX playoff break to heal injuries

Tigres may have earned a place in the 2016 Liga MX Apertura final on Saturday, but it will have to wait until December 22 for the two-legged series to start.

Arabe Unido elated with memorable 2016

Arabe Unido captured the Panamanian league title for the third time in the last four tournaments and claimed a berth in the 2017/18 Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League by defeating Plaza Amador, 2-0, in the 2016 Apertura final on Saturday.

Club America travels to Japan for Club World Cup

Club America departed Mexico City on Monday with a 23-man squad, heading to Japan via Houston, for its third-ever appearance in the FIFA Club World Cup (FCWC)

Club America, Tigres to Liga MX Apertura final & 2017/18 SCCL

Club America and Tigres will once again battle for a trophy when they meet in the two-legged 2016 Liga MX Apertura final later this month.

Arabe Unido captures 2016 Panamanian Apertura crown, SCCL spot

Arabe Unido earned a place in the 2017/18 Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League, scoring once in each half to defeat Plaza Amador, 2-0